Regular maintenance of the coffee maker is a critical condition for making a delicious espresso and long-lasting device. Owners of machinery Krups Often faced with the need to remove scale, as hard water quickly disables heating elements. The use of specialized tablets for decalcination is the most effective and safe method of restoring factory characteristics.
Scaling formed inside the hydraulic system not only worsens heat exchange, but also changes the taste of the drink, adding an unpleasant metallic taste to it. Modern models such as Krups EA81 or EssentialThey are equipped with indicators that indicate the need for the procedure. Ignoring these signals can result in expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the thermoblock.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the entire cleaning process, from solution preparation to final system washing. You will learn exactly what tools are suitable for your model and how to avoid the typical mistakes that beginners make when they first get acquainted with the maintenance of coffee equipment.
Why it is important to use Krups tablets
Many users mistakenly believe that any acid or lemon juice is suitable for removing lime deposits. However, coffee-machine pills developed taking into account the specifics of the materials used in the hydraulic system of this brand. The chemical composition of such funds is selected so as to effectively dissolve calcium carbonate without damaging sealing gums and plastic tubes.
The main advantage of the tablet form is the exact dosage. You don’t have to guess how many grams of powder to add to the water, risking making the solution too concentrated or weak. Each tablet contains the optimal amount of active substance for one cleaning cycle, which guarantees a predictable result.
In addition, special products often contain additives that prevent re-settlement of scale and soften water. This is especially true for regions with high tap water hardness. Using inappropriate chemistry can lead to the temperature-block It will get even worse because of the old scale.
- 🧪 The exact concentration of active substances in each tablet.
- 🛡️ Safety for internal seals and valves.
- ⏱️ Reduced procedure time due to rapid dissolution.
⚠️ Warning: Never use acetic acid or scale removal products in powder without the manufacturer’s explicit indication, as they can cause corrosion of the aluminum boiler elements.
Can I use pills from other brands?
The use of analogues is possible, but only if the packaging explicitly indicates compliance with Krups standards or compatibility with automatic coffee machines. Cheap analogues can foam, which will lead to overflow of the pallet and electronic errors.
Preparation of the coffee machine for the cleaning procedure
Before you start the decalcination process, you need to properly prepare the device. First remove the brewing block if the design of your model Krups This allows you to do this, and rinse it with warm water without detergents. This will remove the residues of coffee oils that can mix with the scale removal solution.
Be sure to empty the drip tray and the coffee grounds container. In some models, for example, Krups ArabicaIt is also necessary to wash the water tank from the residues of the old liquid. The purity of the container is important so that the concentration of the solution corresponds to the calculated.
Make sure the coffee machine is connected to the power grid and is in a stable position on a flat surface. The cleaning process takes 20 to 40 minutes, during which time the device will emit the pump sounds, so it is better not to put it in a closed cabinet.
It is important to check if there is air in the system. If you haven’t used a car in a long time, make a few water spills without coffee to fill the highways. This will prevent the pump from idling at the initial stage.
Step-by-step instructions: how to start the cleaning mode
Starting the decalcination mode on coffee machines Krups It is usually done through a menu or a combination of buttons. On models with a display, such as Krups EvidenceYou need to enter the service menu and select "Decalcification". On simpler devices without a screen, it is often necessary to simultaneously clamping the steam buttons and supplying hot water.
After activation of the mode, the machine will ask to prepare the solution. Dissolve two tablets in 1 liter of warm water (about 40-50 degrees) directly in the tank or in a separate container if the instruction requires to pour the finished solution. Warm water speeds up the reaction, but do not use boiling water to avoid damaging the plastic tank.
☑️ Pre-launch checklist
Once the tank is installed, the machine will start pumping the solution through the system automatically. You will hear the characteristic sounds of the pump and see how the liquid enters the capuchinator or the nozzle of the water supply. This stage can be interrupted by pauses, which is the norm for the cleaning-up.
In the process of working on the display, messages may appear about the need to add water or empty the pallet. Follow the directions on the screen or flashing the indicators. Do not try to speed up the process by turning off the device, as this will knock the program and you will have to start all over again.
⚠️ Warning: During the passage of a chemical solution through the system, it is strictly forbidden to open the brewing block or try to brew coffee, as this will lead to the entry of aggressive chemicals into the cup.
Clean water washing stage of the system
After the solution with the pills is finished, the coffee machine will automatically go into rinse mode or ask you to replace the tank. This is a critical step, as the residues of scale removal can spoil the taste of coffee and be harmful to health.
Rinse the water tank several times to remove any traces of chemistry. Pour fresh cold drinking water to the maximum mark. Make sure that the drip tray and the ground tank are also empty, as a large volume of liquid will pass through the system during washing.
Start the wash cycle by following on the control panel. The machine will drive clean water through all the nodes, washing out the residues of acid and dissolved scale. The process can be repeated several times until the system is completely cleaned.
| Phase | User action | Expected reaction of the machine |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Solution | Pour the pill solution | Chemistry pumping, pauses |
| 2. Rinse the tank | Flush the tank | Waiting for completion |
| 3. Washing 1 | Put clean water in. | Intensive strait |
| 4. Washing 2 | Re-water | Final strait |
Pay attention to the color of the water that flows out. If it is transparent and odorless, then the washing was successful. In some cases, if the scale was very much, an additional washing cycle may be required.
To save water at the washing stage, you can use the water that came out after the chemical stage (if it settled and the sediment fell out), but only for the primary rinsing of the tank, without pouring it back into the system immediately.
Features of cleaning models with a milk circuit
Coffee machine owners Krups with automatic cappuccinator, such as a series LatteYou should pay special attention to the milk tract. Although decalcination pills clean the heater, milk tubes require special attention, as bacteria can multiply in them.
Some modern models have an automatic milk circuit wash function that should be started after each milk beverage preparation. However, deep cleaning using special dairy pills is recommended once a week or after each use if you are cooking a lot of cappuccinos.
For this purpose, special cleaning tablets or liquids are used that dissolve milk fat and protein. The process is similar to decalcination, but the solution is passed through the tube of the capcinater. This prevents the appearance of an unpleasant odor and drying of milk inside the tubes.
- 🥛 Use only special products for the milk tract.
- 🚿 Make sure to wash quickly after each use.
- 🧼 Once a month, remove and wash removable parts of the cappuccinator manually.
If you ignore cleaning the milk contour, even a perfectly scalable boiler will not save the taste of your coffee. The smell of sour milk can completely overwhelm the aroma of freshly ground grains.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes is using too hot water to dissolve the pills. Boiling water can deform a plastic tank or cause a violent reaction with a spray of chemistry. The optimal temperature is 40-50 degrees, when the water is already warm, but the finger endures.
Another mistake is interrupting the process. Many users, seeing that the machine pauses or makes noise, try to turn it off. Cleaning programme coffee-machine Krups Often has pauses to soak the internal elements, so interrupting the cycle will leave the acid inside, which can lead to corrosion.
It is also common to forget to change the water filter (if it is installed in the tank) after decalcination. The carbon filter is saturated during the process and ceases to soften the water effectively, so its replacement is mandatory immediately after the end of all washing cycles.
Replacing the water filter immediately after decalcination is a prerequisite for the proper operation of the water hardness meter and preventing the rapid formation of new scale.
⚠️ Note: If after cleaning the scale indicator did not go out, you may need to reset the counter in the service menu or the procedure was not completed due to interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I clean the Krups coffee machine with pills?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use. On average, when installing medium stiffness, the machine itself will ask to clean through 80-100 cups or once every 2-3 months. If the water is very hard, the interval is reduced to 1 month.
Can I use tablets from other manufacturers?
Technically possible, if they are designed for automatic coffee machines and do not contain chlorine. However, the original pills Krups F054 or F088 ensure compatibility and the absence of foam, which can cause electronic error.
What to do if the car is not in cleaning mode?
Make sure you are performing the right button combination for your model (often this is a simultaneous press of steam and hot water buttons for 5 seconds). Also check if access to the menu is blocked due to lack of water or a full pallet.
Are the pills harmful to your health if you stay in the car?
Residual traces of the product after thorough washing (2-3 full tanks of clean water) are safe. However, if you feel a sour taste or smell of chemistry, repeat the flushing cycle again. You don't have to risk your health.
Do I need to lubricate the block after cleaning?
Yes, after decalcination and drying of the brewing unit, it is recommended to lubricate the moving parts with silicone lubricant for food production. This will prolong the life of rubber seals and facilitate the operation of the mechanism.